Nitous Q & A
Many Children are calm, comfortable and confident in a pediatric dental office. Because pediatric dentists specialize in treating children, they make children feel special, as they should. The office is especially designed for children. Our staff members have chosen to work in a pediatric dental office because they like kids. Sometimes, however a child feels anxious during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous is a safe technique to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit.
Q: What is nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A: Nitrous is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect. normal breathing eliminates nitrous oxide from the body.
Q: How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A: Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma and expirence a sense of well-being and relaxation. If the sights, sounds, or sensations of dental treatment worry your child, he or she may respond positively with the use of nitrous.
Q: How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A: Very safe, nitrous is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is non-addictive. It is mild, easily taken, and quickly eliminated by your body. Your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous.
Q: Are there any special instructions for nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A: First, give your child little or no food before the dental visit. (Occasionally nausea or vomiting occurs when a child has a full stomach). Second, tell your pediatric dentist about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It might limit effectiveness of the nitrous treatment. Third, tell your pediatric dentist if your child is taking any medications on the day of the appointment.
Q: Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?
A: Pediatric dentists know that all children are not alike! Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous is not effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs or discomfort wearing a nasal mask. Other options are available for these cases. For more information look into the SEDATION panel.
Q:Does insurance cover this procedure?
A: Nitrous is not covered and is not reimbursed by insurance companies. Therefore, payment for this service is due day of appointment. A charge will be incurred for each visit which nitrous is required.
Charge for nitrous is 85.00 per visit.